If you've been accused of driving while intoxicated, trying to represent yourself can affect the legal process in a variety of ways. A DUI lawyer is a great resource to help people navigate this process and, in some cases, avoid the courtroom altogether. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, around 90-95% of personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Some people to avoid the costs of hiring a lawyer will attempt to represent themselves but are unaware of the risks they will face during the proceedings. If you don't have an experienced DUI lawyer, you could go through the following risks.

Being Alone

When you don't have previous legal experience, things could get complicated. You may miss the deadlines, not know how to file the documents, or not know how to present your evidence. Additionally, you could also face penalties for every wrongdoing from your end. To avoid this, it's recommended to hire a DUI lawyer who'll stand by your side throughout the process. The lawyer will help you understand the legal procedures, negotiate with the insurance companies, and represent you in court.

Being Indecisive

When you're personally involved in the case, it might be hard to wrap your head around the legal jargon. If you're attending a court session for the first time, you may find yourself experiencing panic and grief, so it could be difficult to stay calm with the offenses charged against you. You may not be able to find a way out of the situation if you lack prior experience in dealing with legal matters. This is why you need a professional who can deal with the case with clarity and confidence. Be sure to hire a law firm that's experienced to ensure your case can go as smoothly as possible.

Risking Family Members

Sometimes, representing yourself in court doesn't only have an effect on you. You may even end up putting your family members at high risk. Your every move, every word, and every action will be watched by the court and the other party. Although you're charged with the offense, your family could unnecessarily get dragged into the case. To keep things simple, hire a DUI lawyer to take care of the legal proceedings so your family can have peace of mind and stay out of the conversation during the process.

Limiting Your Resources and Knowledge

Representing yourself in court isn't as easy as it seems. While knowledge is one factor, time and resources are another. Whether you're a full-time employee or a business owner, you may not have the advantage of spending hours researching and finding ways to deal with the case. Additionally, you could be at a greater disadvantage if you don't have access to expert witnesses. A DUI lawyer has knowledge of the proceedings, will know the legal loopholes to get you out of the case quickly, and may even have the legal precedent that can win you your case should it be brought before a judge.

Being Uncertain of the Possible Outcomes

By not hiring a legal representative, you'll likely be risking the decision on your case. If you're found guilty, you could be facing hefty fines or jail time. While you know your case the best, your knowledge might not be sufficient to win, especially when the other party has a strong legal team. DUI lawyers fight until the end to protect your rights, save your money, and protect your reputation. Schedule a case review with a local DUI lawyer today to learn more about the possible outcomes of your case and what they can do to protect you from the worse case scenarios.

Receiving No Help From the Court

If you decide to represent yourself in court, remember that the judge and court staff don't have the right to help you. They can only hand over documents or manage files required for court proceedings. A qualified lawyer can give you all the assistance you need to properly navigate your case. Call on today that has a track record of satisfying their clients. You can guarantee this by reading online reviews from people who have worked with the lawyer before.

The decision to represent yourself in court could be life-changing. Whether you're unwilling to spend money or want to gain experience, it can significantly impact the outcome of your case. During this time, the only way to be safe is to hire a DUI lawyer, especially if it involves arrest. If you're in need of an experienced lawyer, call Ianniello Chauvin, LLP today and learn more about how our team can benefit your case.